Wondering about about the differences between Botox vs. Dermal Fillers read this article to find out more!

If you’re worried about the physical effects of aging, you’re not alone. Studies show that 30% of women under the age of 35 are worried about aging. The most notable among their concerns are wrinkles.

The two most common treatments for wrinkles are botox and dermal fillers, and if you’re considering pursuing one of them, you may have some questions. Let’s discuss the differences between botox vs. dermal fillers and see which is right for you!

What Is Botox?

Botox is simply a muscle relaxer that is used to relax overactive muscles. Botox is used for several applications, including anything from an overactive bladder to facial muscles. It also has applications for neurological disorders that lead to muscle weaknesses.

However, botox is most known as an anti-wrinkle treatment, as it has been on the market for over two decades now, since April 15, 2002.

More specifically, Botox is a drug made from a toxin that is produced by the bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium works to block specific chemical signals in nerves that cause muscles to contract, which helps prevent wrinkle formation.

Benefits of Botox

When introduced to facial muscles, it can create a temporary relaxation treatment, which can help prevent wrinkles. When our facial muscles contract too frequently, this will lead to wrinkles over time. The idea is to prevent these overactive muscles from causing wrinkles in our skin. Now, let's look at some of the other benefits of Botox cosmetic treatment.

Low Cost

Botox is not a particularly expensive treatment. For each area, the process will only cost between $250 and $600, depending on a number of factors. This makes it far more accessible for those wanting to curb wrinkles.

However, because this is a temporary solution, you will need to repeat the injections for the full effects. You will also need to talk to your aesthetic injector about their pricing. Still, starting is generally more cost-effective than other professional wrinkle treatments.

Diverse Benefits

Again, botox is used to treat many different issues, from crossed eyes to joint pain and bladder control. This is why consulting with your doctor is important before choosing a wrinkle treatment, as some side effects can be quite positive for certain patients.

Reducing Spasms

You can even use botox to reduce muscle spasms in certain areas. Overactive muscles and frequent spasms may be the root cause of your wrinkles, and reducing this can have plenty of other positive effects. For example, relaxing a spasming muscle can help reduce stress levels, headaches, muscle tension, and more.

If these are concerns of yours, botox may be the best solution.

Low Risk

There are risks to botox injections, which we will discuss momentarily. However, it is generally considered a safe procedure, as more than 11 million people have used Botox worldwide

Botox Side Effects and Other Considerations

Any injection comes with some possible side effects, and botox is no exception. Some more common side effects include ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), keratitis (corneal inflammation), dry eyes, light swelling or bruising, itchy eyes, double vision, eye irritation, or excessive tearing. These will likely subside within a matter of days, but if they persist, contact your doctor right away.

Still, there are some more serious side effects to consider. To be clear, none of these more serious side effects are particularly likely for any botox recipient. However, if you do experience any of these, contact your doctor right away:

• Muscle weakness
• Bladder control issues
• Vision impairment
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Breathing problems

Beyond that, you will also have to consider that botox is a preventative treatment. While it may have some minor effects on existing wrinkles, that is not what it is designed to treat. It’s important to go into the procedure with the right expectations.

Another important consideration is after-care. Aftercare is essential for botox treatment to receive the full effects and to minimize unwanted side effects. Your aesthetic injector  will discuss all of this with you, but if you aren’t prepared to commit to the aftercare routine, then botox isn’t for you!

Also, it’s important to remember that botox does not last forever. It’s meant as a temporary wrinkle treatment, lasting for around 3 to 6 months on average. Still, it may only last for two or for as long as eight in some cases.

Fortunately, you can control these side effects by consulting with your aesthetic injector ahead of time. The more they know about your medical history, and the more you know about potential issues, the better!

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Believe it or not, dermal fillers have been around since the 1970s, decades before botox treatments were introduced. Dermal fillers are completely different from botox injections in every way imaginable.

To start, dermal fillers are injectables used to plump thinner lips, enhance shallower contours, soften facial creases, and remove wrinkles. In some cases, they are even used to soften the effects of facial scars.

These injectables work by filling the area around your wrinkles to stretch the skin a little more, tightening the excess skin that is causing the wrinkles. This can offer a more restorative and smoother appearance to the skin, which is why it’s used for so many applications.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers come with some amazing benefits that you can’t find elsewhere. They can even facilitate new collagen and elastin production in your skin, giving you an even more youthful appearance than the filler itself. Still, that’s not all.

Longevity

Some dermal fillers will only last for 6 to 12 months, which is still longer than alternatives like botox. However, many can last for 2 to 5 years, especially with the right injectables and proper aftercare. This is a more permanent solution.

Long-Term Costs

While botox injections are more affordable to begin, you will not have to perform them as frequently. Fewer trips to your local med spa are likely a benefit in itself, but the long-term costs are also lower!

For example, over a 5-year period, a $500 botox injection every 6 months (at best) will cost a total of $5,000. Conversely, two dermal fillers over that same period may only cost a total of $2,000. Over the long term, dermal fillers are more cost-effective.

Still, this is a barrier to entry for some. As a result, fewer people (2.6 million a year) pursue dermal fillers than botox injections.

Treating Existing Wrinkles

Unlike botox, dermal fillers are not only a preventative measure but also a treatment for existing wrinkles. Filling an area with existing wrinkles or scars can help lessen their appearance immediately.

More “Natural” Appearance

When botox relaxes facial muscles, it can distort the appearance of the face. Conversely, dermal fillers can appear more natural, as all facial muscles will remain active after the injection.

Limited Side Effects

Of course, there are side effects that we will discuss momentarily. However, dermal fillers come with fewer serious side effects than botox.

Dermal Filler Risks and Other Considerations

The most common side effects reported in clinical trials of dermal filler include facial weakness, as well as brow or eyelid drooping. However, some more serious side effects include:

• Localized pain
• Swelling
• Difficulty swallowing

In rare cases, dermal fillers have reportedly caused difficulty breathing, double vision, and dry eyes. Again, if you experience any of these, contact your doctor right away. 

If you have any other questions or concerns, talk to a professional and ask away! Don’t go into any procedure without knowing all of the possibilities.

Key Differences Between Botox vs. Dermal Fillers

Let’s put it this way. Overall, as a wrinkle treatment, dermal fillers are the superior choice. However, that doesn’t mean that certain patients won’t benefit far more from botox injections.

Dermal fillers treatments last longer, are more cost-effective in the long run and require fewer visits. Their side effects also tend to be milder, and they also help to treat existing wrinkles.

Still, botox injections have several benefits that dermal fillers don’t cover. If you are looking for a preventative measure at a low initial price, botox is the way to go. Also, if you have other conditions mentioned above that botox may help alleviate, talk to your aesthetic injector about botox treatment.

There’s a reason that both treatments exist. They both have their place in wrinkle prevention and care, so choose wisely!

Get the Treatment You Need Today

Now that you know the difference between botox vs. dermal fillers, choose the treatment that’s right for you. If you’re still unsure, that’s perfectly fine. Your injector can help answer any questions you have!

Stay up to date with our latest skin treatment news, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help finding the treatment that’s right for you!